Languages

The Region of Waterloo supports language learning whether it's English as a second language, French or other languages.

English Language Learning

The Region of Waterloo Library (RWL) has materials for patrons looking to improve their English reading and writing skills, or who are learning English as a second language.

• Adult Lit. Kits contain a short book and CD audiobooks. Listen to the CD while you follow along in the book.  A great tool for ESL learning or for those who want to improve their reading skills.

• Want to improve your grammar? Then try out some of these English grammar books.

• Expand your English vocabulary with these great books.

• Check out a list of English as a Second Language Resources which includes examination books and other related materials.

• downloadLibrary also provides Pimsleur eAudiobooks for English Learners who speak Persian, Arabic, Chinese and Hindi. 

If you are a newcomer to the area you may also find information on our Newcomers to Waterloo Region page of interest.

French and Other Languages

RWL offers a variety of materials in various formats in French and other languages as well as access to the electronic databases.

• View the catalogue for French language books.
• World Book Online: This encyclopedia also includes a French interface, L'Encyclopédie Découverte for primary-aged students.
• RWL also offers a small collection of bilingual Arabic-English children's titles for use by all patrons including newcomers.
• Tumble Book Library includes a Language Learning tab that gathers its online read-along storybooks and streaming audiobooks in French, Spanish and other languages.
• Mango Languages allows you to learn another language or improve one you already know. It has free apps for iPhone and Android users so you can take your learning with you as you travel.
• downloadLibrary offers ebooks, eAudiobooks, and videos in a variety of languages. To see available titles, go to the Advanced Search page and select the language you would like.

German and Plautdietsche 

RWL offers a small collection of materials in Plautdietsche (Low German) and German, including English to Low German/Low German to English dictionaries and language learning books with CDs. Books, CDs and DVDs for children and adults are located in the Linwood branch and may be placed on hold for pick-up at any of our 10 locations. Available titles can be found in our catalogue.

Search the catalogue for a variety of language materials.